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PIAC Welcomes Do Not Call List, Urges Consumers to Sign Up

OTTAWA, Sept. 30 /CNW/ - The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC)
welcomed today's launch of the National Do Not Call List (DNCL) by the
Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). The Do Not
Call List will reduce Canadians' unwanted telephone solicitation by requiring
telemarketers to remove numbers on the DNCL from their telemarketing lists.
"The Do Not Call List is a wonderful victory for consumers who have
complained about telemarketing for years but had no practical way to stop
calls," said John Lawford, counsel for PIAC. "There will be growing pains
while the Do Not Call List grows but we urge consumers to get on the list and
to complain when they receive calls that they shouldn't."
PIAC notes that consumers must wait 31 days after registering with the
list before expecting some calls to stop. "In addition, charities, companies
you already do business with and some other groups are exempted from the main
Do Not Call List," added Lawford. "However, consumers can still block calls
from the exempted organizations by asking to be put on that organization's
internal do not call list, in which case the CRTC will enforce that list just
as they do the main Do Not Call List."
Lawford noted that while Canadians may be unhappy with all the DNCL
exemptions, it is important to first get on the list, then for consumers who
are unhappy with the continuing calls to pressure government for removal of
the exemptions. "In the meanwhile, we urge consumers who receive calls after
registration to complain if they keep getting them by recontacting the main Do
Not Call List number and making a complaint."
To Register or Complain:
Go online to www.LNNTE-DNCL.gc.ca or call toll-free (from the number you
want to register): 1-866-580-DNCL (1-866-580-3625). Persons who are deaf or
hard of hearing may call (toll free): 1-888-DNCL-TTY (1-888-362-5889).
More consumer information regarding the National Do Not Call List can be
found on the CRTC website: http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/dncl.htm